Each day, we rely on products to make our lives a little easier, safer, or more enjoyable. From the cars we drive to the tools we use at home, we trust that these items are designed and manufactured with our safety in mind. However, when a product fails and causes harm, it can lead to devastating injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress. If you’ve been injured by a defective product in New York City, you need a dedicated New York City product liability to help you see justice and compensation for the harm you’ve endured.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand how devastating a product-related injury can be, and we’re here to help you take the next step. With decades of experience advocating for injury victims throughout New York State, our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process of seeking justice and securing the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation and speak with an experienced lawyer who truly cares about your recovery.
Table of contents
- Why Choose the William Mattar Law Offices for Your Product Liability Case
- What is Product Liability?
- What Makes a Valid Product Liability Case?
- Three Types of Product Defects
- Examples of Defective Products
- Compensation Available in a New York City Product Liability Case
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Product Liability Claim?
- Representing You in Court
- NYC Product Liability Claims FAQs
- Contact Our New York City Product Liability Lawyers Today
Why Choose the William Mattar Law Offices for Your Product Liability Case
When you or a loved one has been hurt because of a defective product, finding a lawyer who will fight for your best interests is critical. At William Mattar Law Offices, we have built a reputation for providing compassionate legal support coupled with an unwavering commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Here’s why injured victims trust us with their product liability cases:
- Experience and Focus: With more than 30 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients across New York State recover compensation for their injuries. Our team focuses exclusively on personal injury cases, which allows us to sharpen our legal skills and achieve strong results. If you were injured by a product, you can count on our New York City product liability lawyer to bring the experience and know-how needed to handle even the most complicated claims.
- 24/7 Support: We understand that accidents don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why our team is available 24/7 to answer your call. From the moment you reach out, we’ll walk you through the key steps of your claim, helping you make informed decisions at every turn.
- No Fee Until We Win: We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation. At William Mattar Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
When you contact us, you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re gaining a compassionate legal team that is truly committed to your recovery. We take the time to listen to your concerns, gather the evidence needed to build a strong case, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
What is Product Liability?
Product liability refers to a legal principle that holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for placing defective or unsafe products into the hands of consumers. When a product poses unreasonable risks and causes harm, those responsible for producing or selling it may be liable for the injuries caused.
The foundation of product liability law is rooted in ensuring public safety. It’s designed to protect individuals, like you, from suffering harm due to dangerous or poorly designed products. This area of law applies to a wide range of consumer goods, including defective machinery, household appliances, motor vehicles, medical devices, toys, and even pharmaceutical products.
A product liability case may arise under three main legal theories:
- Negligence: Occurs when a manufacturer or other party fails to exercise reasonable care in the design, production, or sale of a product.
- Strict Liability: Under this theory, a manufacturer can be held responsible for a defective product regardless of whether they acted negligently.
- Breach of Warranty: This refers to a failure to fulfill claims made about a product’s safety or reliability.
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, proving which party is at fault can be complex. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced New York City product liability attorney who can investigate your case thoroughly and advocate for your rights.
What Makes a Valid Product Liability Case?
Not every injury caused by a product will result in a product liability claim. For your case to be considered valid, certain elements must be present.
- The Product Was Defective: At the core of every product liability case is the defect itself. You must demonstrate that the product in question had a defect in its design, manufacturing, or labeling that made it unreasonably dangerous.
- The Defect Caused Your Injury: It’s not enough to show that a product was defective. You also have to prove that the defect directly caused your injury or harm. For example, if a faulty airbag failed to deploy during a car accident, resulting in severe head trauma, you would need evidence linking the defect to the injuries sustained.
- You Were Using the Product as Intended: To pursue a product liability claim, you must show that you were using the product as it was intended to be used or in a way that was reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer.
Meeting these criteria often requires a thorough investigation and extensive evidence, such as expert testimony, product testing, and accident reconstruction. At William Mattar Law Offices, we have the resources and experience to build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring you have the best chance of recovering the financial compensation you need.
Three Types of Product Defects
Product defects generally fall into one of three categories. Understanding the type of defect involved in your case is critical because it determines the legal approach your attorney will take.
Design Defects
A design defect refers to a flaw in the overall design of a product that makes it inherently unsafe, even if it’s manufactured perfectly. This type of defect often affects an entire product line rather than isolated units.
For example, imagine a line of space heaters that overheats and catches fire when left running for extended periods. If the issue stems from a poor design choice, such as insufficient safeguards to prevent overheating, this could qualify as a design defect.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to foresee potential risks during the design phase and take steps to minimize those risks without compromising the utility of the product. Failing to do so may leave them liable for injuries caused by their dangerous design.
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects occur during the production or assembly of a product. Unlike design defects, which affect an entire product line, manufacturing defects are often limited to specific units or batches that deviate from the intended design.
An example of a manufacturing defect might be a car with faulty brakes caused by substandard materials used during production. If you were injured in an accident because the brakes failed, the manufacturer could be held liable for allowing a defective unit to reach the market.
Proving a manufacturing defect often requires identifying the specific flaw in the product and showing that it resulted from a deviation during the production process. Our team knows how to dig deep into factory records, quality control reports, and other evidence to uncover the truth.
Labeling Defects (Failure to Warn)
Labeling defects, also known as “failure to warn,” occur when a product lacks adequate instructions, warnings, or labels to inform consumers about potential risks. Even a properly designed and manufactured product can be dangerous if users are not made aware of associated hazards.
For instance, consider a cleaning product with strong chemicals that could cause severe burns if spilled on the skin. If the label fails to include warnings or proper handling instructions, the manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by the lack of critical safety information.
Manufacturers have a legal duty to provide consumers with clear, prominent warnings about known risks. When they fail to do so, injured victims are entitled to take legal action.
Examples of Defective Products
Every day, we come into contact with products we trust to work safely and reliably. Sadly, not every product meets this expectation, and defective products can result in serious injuries. These items may range from everyday household items to complex machinery, and when they fail, the consequences can be devastating.
Here are some examples of defective products and the kinds of accidents they might cause:
- Vehicles and Auto Parts: Faulty airbags, brake failures, or issues with steering systems can lead to serious car accidents.
- Medical Devices: Defective implants, prosthetics, or surgical tools can result in injury, infection, or worsened medical conditions.
- Pharmaceuticals: Dangerous side effects, contaminated drugs, or incorrect labeling of prescription medications can harm users.
- Household Appliances: Items like space heaters, pressure cookers, or microwaves with defects may cause burns, fires, or explosions.
- Toys and Children's Products: Choking hazards, toxic materials, or poorly designed toys can injure children.
- Power Tools and Machinery: Defects in power saws, drills, or heavy machinery can lead to severe workplace or at-home injuries.
- Food or Beverages: Contaminated or mislabeled food products can cause severe allergic reactions or foodborne illnesses.
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, it’s important to hold the responsible parties accountable. An experienced NYC product liability lawyer can investigate your case and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available in a New York City Product Liability Case
When a defective product causes harm, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. A successful product liability claim can provide compensation to help you recover and move forward with peace of mind.
The compensation available in a New York City product liability case typically includes two types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These are the specific financial losses you suffer as a result of your injury, such as:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, or medication.
- Lost wages from time missed at work, as well as potential loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage if the defective product caused harm to your belongings (e.g., a car in the case of a defective auto part).
- Non-Economic Damages: These address the personal and emotional impact of your injury, which may include:
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the extent of your injuries, the nature of the defect, and other factors. A qualified attorney can help you assess your damages and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Product Liability Claim?
Handling a product liability case can be complex and intimidating. From understanding your rights to gathering evidence, the process requires a skilled and compassionate advocate who can handle the details while you focus on recovery.
Here’s how a lawyer can assist you with your claim:
Assessing Your Case’s Merit
An experienced lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of your injury to determine whether you have a valid product liability claim. They’ll identify the type of defect involved, the parties who may be responsible, and the best legal strategy for pursuing compensation.
Investigating and Collecting Evidence
Proving that a product was defective often requires thorough investigation and evidence, including product testing, engineering analysis, accident records, and witness statements. Your lawyer will know where to look for these critical pieces of evidence.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Product liability cases often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. A lawyer will trace the chain of supply to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for the harm caused.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will likely try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. An experienced attorney will handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you’re treated fairly and advocating for a settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Representing You in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, a skilled lawyer will prepare your case for trial and act as your advocate in court. They’ll present evidence, question witnesses, and fight tirelessly for your right to compensation.
Working with a trusted product liability attorney gives you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome in your case.
NYC Product Liability Claims FAQs
Here are answers to commonly asked questions regarding product liability claims:
What is the statute of limitations for product liability cases in New York City?
Under New York law, the statute of limitations for most product liability cases is three years from the date of your injury. It’s crucial to act quickly and consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
How much does a product liability lawyer cost?
At William Mattar Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid attorney’s fees if we recover compensation in your case, so you can focus on recovery without worrying about legal bills.
Who can be held responsible in a product liability case?
Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be held responsible for a defective product, including the product manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or even a supplier of parts used in the product’s assembly.
What should I do if I’ve been injured by a defective product?
First, seek medical attention to address your injuries. Then, preserve the defective product and any packaging or instructions that came with it. Contact an experienced lawyer right away to discuss your options and begin building your case.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t the original purchaser of the product?
Yes, you may still be eligible to file a product liability claim even if you were not the person who purchased the product. For instance, if you were injured by a defective product borrowed from someone else, you can pursue legal action as long as you meet the other criteria for a valid claim.
Contact Our New York City Product Liability Lawyers Today
If a defective product has turned your life upside down, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At William Mattar Law Offices, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, providing compassionate, skilled legal support while you focus on healing.
Time is of the essence in a product liability case. Important evidence can be lost, and deadlines for filing a claim are strict. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and working toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated New York City product liability lawyer. Don’t wait; your path to justice starts here.